Allan L. Ziegler

1917 - 2013

Allan L. Ziegler, Long Time Miami Resident Passes Leaving a Legacy of Love

ZIEGLER, ALLAN L.

(96) passed away Thursday,August 15 peacefully at home with his family by his side.

Al was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1917, the son of Polish immigrants, Juda Leib Ziegler and Regina Weissman Ziegler, and one of five children. He attended East Side High School, graduating with honors at the age of 16. Struggling to help support his family during the depression, at the age of fourteen he started working side-by-side with his brother and lifetime best pal, Nate, at his uncle's Newark Airport Restaurant. In 1939, they opened their own restaurant, ""Ziggies"" in Jersey City. In 1942, he entered the US Army and served in the Pacific theater, fighting in New Guinea and the Philippines. Recognized as a natural leader, a pattern that would be repeated throughout his life, he was rapidly promoted to Staff Sergeant in the 32nd, ""Red Arrow"" division. After several years of front line combat he contracted malaria. For the duration of the war he served as a front line news correspondent and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. In 1946, he moved to Miami, Florida where he met the love of his life, Eleanor (Ellie) Bailis, whom he married in 1947. Over the following five years they had three children, Jan, Gary and Joanie. From 1947 until 1958, he founded and operated the American Home Equipment Company. Desiring to spend more time at home with his family, he then became a sales agent for the Prudential Insurance Company. His rise in the company was meteoric. He advanced rapidly into management and set many company sales records. As a new Staff Manager he trained and led the sales team he was given, from a bottom position nationwide amongst 2000 staff teams,rapidly elevating them to the very top of the entire company. His early successes lead to his subsequent promotion to District Manager, where he once again set company records of highest performance. He accomplished all this, while still maintaining the love, respect and admiration of those he managed.

Al was a founding member of Flagler Granada Jewish Community Center. In addition to helping direct its growth and development, his participation in many fundraising theatrical productions is fondly recalled by all. Years later he also served as a founding member of Temple Beth Am.

Although he often worked hard and long hours, his family always came first. He had a wonderful, loving and devoted partner, Ellie, his wife and soul mate of 65 years. Together they provided their children with an environment of discipline, wise guidance and endless love. His kindness and wisdom extended well beyond his immediate family, enriching the lives of all who knew him.

Al was blessed with a spirit of optimism and gifted with an incredible memory and sense of humor. He had remarkable common sense, natural intelligence and unique insight into human nature. Filled with an overflowing heart of love and generosity, Al made an indelible and irreplaceable impact on the lives of so many people. He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all. Leaving a legacy of love, he is predeceased by his wife Ellie, and survived by sons Dr. Jan (Laura) Ziegler, Dr. Gary (Bonnie) Ziegler, daughter Joanie (Dr.William) Ditkowsky,loving grandchildren Dr. Ryan (Gabrielle) Ziegler, Dr.Rosie (Ben) Simon, Justin (Monica) Ziegler, Ellie (Andrew) Freedman, Ashley Ziegler, Matthew Ziegler (betrothed to Emily Lanster), Jordan Ziegler, Allan E. Ziegler and Sean Ziegler, and his great grandchildren Sam, Jake, Annie, Lily and Henry. He is also survived by sister-in-law Edith Bailis Shaw and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. The family extends a special thanks to caregivers: Roslyn, Juanita, Mariliana and Ana for their tender loving care.

Services will be held on Sunday, August 18, at 11AM at Riverside-Gordon at Mount Nebo Kendall: 5900 S. W. 77 Avenue, Miami, Fl. 33143, with internment to follow at Mount Nebo Miami: 5505 N. W. 3 Street, Miami, Fl. 33126.

During the final years of Al's life, he flourished, living in the loving home of his daughter Joanie and son-in-law Bill, where Shiva will be observed immediately following internment. Shiva will also be held there on Monday and Tuesday from 5 PM to 9 PM.

After the passing of his beloved wife Ellie to Alzheimer's disease, Al's wishes were that any donations made in his memory be contributed to the Alzheimer's Association.